Yesterday I was able to go look at my new school and my new classroom! I was so curious to see what my new room would look like. Would it be a big mess? Would I have a lot of supplies left by the previous teacher? Would it be newer construction or older? Would there be carpet or tile? Would I have a nice window? A classroom library? If you've ever moved classrooms or moved schools, you know all of those questions (and many more!) too well!
I was pleasantly surprised with my first look at my new classroom!
Most of my questions were answered after looking around. Thankfully, I didn't have a big mess. It was neat and organized somewhat. I have a LOT of craft supplies left from the previous teacher, which I am very thankful for. This area of the building is newer construction. I have carpet except for an area right as you enter the room near the sink (Woohoo for having a sink!). I was very excited to see a nice big window with a beautiful view of the trees outside. No traffic - just lush vegetation as our view. I have lots and lots of class sets of books, but basically no classroom library. There were about 5 books and another teacher gave me about 10 books. This is an area I'll be adding to by going to a local thrift shop that has lots of books.
I was a little surprised to see that there wasn't any student cubbies. Students hang their backpacks on the hooks you see in the next photo - under the leveled books.
I was really glad to see that I have a good bit of storage! This closet held class novels and lots of craft supplies.
This was another nice area for storage. I am so excited to have a sink and a water fountain in my room! Right across the hallway is a bathroom, which is nice.
My goal yesterday was to go through EVERYTHING that was left. I was able to do this within a couple of hours. I went through all of the cabinets, drawers, etc. I also set aside an area of furniture I wanted to get rid of. I hated not using this bookshelf because it's really nice, but the only place I can see it going is in front of my nice, big window and I really didn't want to cover up that area. Instead, I'll use two shorter bookshelves that I have here at home from my previous room. I am also getting rid of the wooden teacher's desk because I have a smaller table with my computer and a huge bookshelf behind it that I can use. I didn't really see a need in keeping the wooden desk. I also got rid of the small wooden cabinet. I have lots of things I've accumulated over time that I think will better utilize the space in my new classroom. This room is smaller than my previous room, which is another reason I will need to maximize my space and not use items that are bulky or that I don't think I'll need.
I also brought a car load of supplies yesterday and was able to unload and unpack all of them. I also got my desks set up in groups. It may not seem like a huge difference in pictures, but I felt like I got a lot accomplished yesterday! I know many of you are just getting out of school so it may seem odd that I already started setting my room up, so hear me out...
No, I am not crazy! LOL! I just know starting all over is going to take a longer amount of time than I usually spend in the classroom in the summer. Also - I don't have a key yet, so I have to go when the office is open. They are closed all next week (except Monday when I have something planned for most of the day) and then I have plans for the next 7 days, so I won't be getting back until mid July. My first day to report for new employer orientation is July 24th and then I start back the following week. So....I really don't have a ton of time! Plus - I would rather do it now and enjoy that last week of summer without feeling rushed near the beginning of school.
My four year old was a PRO at school with me yesterday. I was busy working, it was HOT, but he entertained himself the entire time and didn't complain one time! I was so proud of him!
Stay tuned for my progress from day two!
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